Piscopo Supports Pro-Jobs Proposal

HARTFORD- State Rep. John Piscopo (R-Thomaston) voted today to support a bi-partisan pro-jobs proposal which establishes an Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit pilot program which he says will encourage and assist first-time entrepreneurs in certain business sectors.

“I proudly supported this bill and it’s my hope that this will assist those entrepreneurs looking to start a business by making the process easier to navigate. By reimbursing applicants for certain fees, we are also helping them to invest more money in their company at the onset, rather than making payments to the state,” said Rep. Piscopo.

Under the bill, first-time entrepreneurs under the pilot program wishing to start new information technology, biotechnology, and green technology businesses are eligible for reimbursement under the program. Approved applicants receive reimbursement, for any state filing, permitting, or licensing fees associated with forming their business in Connecticut.

The key aspect of this legislation is that the permit would require the waiver of any state or municipal filing, licensing or permitting fee associated with starting a new business within those business tech sectors.

The National Federation of Independent Business testified at the public hearing that this is pro-small business bill that would meet two important goals. (1) It would directly address the special needs of the entrepreneurial community at which it is directly targeted and (2) It would leverage these benefits, generating returns to Connecticut in excess of its limited implementation cost.

Both the State Senate and the House of Representatives passed the bill unanimously and now the bill heads to the Governor for his signature.

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